Mother-To-Child Transmission

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is a term used to describe the transmission of a disease or infection from a mother to her child during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding. MTCT is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and children, particularly in low and middle-income countries, where access to preventive and therapeutic measures is limited. The most common infections transmitted from mother to child are HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and syphilis. Other less common infections include toxoplasmosis, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV). HIV transmission from mother to child is a major public health concern. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the mainstay of prevention of MTCT of HIV, and the World Health Organization (WHO)                   recommends that all pregnant women living with HIV receive ART to reduce the risk of MTCT. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is another virus that can be transmitted from mother to child. The primary prevention of MTCT of HBV includes the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine to infants and young children. The WHO recommends the administration of the hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours after birth to all infants of mothers known to be infected with HBV. Syphilis is the third most common infection transmitted from mother to child. Prevention of MTCT of syphilis includes screening pregnant women for syphilis at the first antenatal visit, and treating those who are infected with antibiotics. In addition to HIV, HBV, and syphilis, other infections, such as toxoplasmosis, Epstein-Barr virus, and CMV, can also be transmitted from mother to child. These infections can cause congenital abnormalities, learning disabilities, and other long-term health consequences. Prevention of MTCT is essential to reduce the burden of disease in children and to help ensure their long-term health and wellbeing. Early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of maternal infections, as well as the use of preventive measures such as vaccines, can help reduce the risk of MTCT.